Welcome to the Civil Air Patrol!

Hello and welcome to the Upper Montgomery Composite Squadron! I am C/CMSgt Agastya Haswar, the squadron Cadet Commander. I have been a Civil Air Patrol member for almost three years and have previously served as the Airman for Recruitment and Retention, the Cadet Basic Training Flight Sergeant, and the squadron First Sergeant. My job as Cadet Commander is to direct the squadron’s cadet corps and ensure its long-term operation and success in fulfilling the Civil Air Patrol’s missions of Aerospace Education, Emergency Services, and Cadet Programs; I work to provide cadets with the resources, training, and experiences necessary to fulfill their highest potential as they grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

The Civil Air Patrol offers many great opportunities and experiences. Cadets receive five free orientation rides in a powered aircraft and glider each; can receive training in search and rescue and disaster relief to serve on Emergency Services Missions; win scholarships to complete their flight training and achieve a Private Pilot Certification; shadow Air Force fighter pilots; and much, much more. Our squadron’s events and activities include participating in Memorial Day and July 4th parades, conducting Color Guard ceremonies, volunteering at Air National Guard bases, participating in search and rescue exercises, laying wreaths for Wreaths Across America, and more. Cadets have the opportunity to apply for cadet staff, where they can take on responsibilities to help run the squadron and gain valuable skills and leadership experience.

The most important aspect of being a cadet is initiative; these opportunities will only be helpful if you actively seek them out and take the greatest advantage of them. There are no limits to the experience and skill you will gain in return to your efforts; apply yourself and advance in your training, and you will make great strides in leadership, confidence, and service. You will grow as a person and understand the values of Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Volunteer service as you Rise as Leaders in our squadron.

Thank you for your interest in the squadron. I hope to see you visiting our squadron meetings in the next few weeks; in the meantime, if you would like to learn more, feel free to contact us!

Respectfully,

Agastya Haswar, C/CMSgt, CAP

Semper Vigilans